Climate change presents a fundamental threat to human health especially in Africa. It has affected the physical environment and all aspects of both natural and human systems – including social and economic conditions and the functioning of health systems. It is therefore a threat multiplier, undermining and potentially reversing health progress made during the last three decades. As climatic conditions change in Africa, more frequent and intensifying weather and climate events are observed such as storms, extreme heat, floods, droughts, and wildfires. These weather and climate hazards affect health both directly and indirectly, increasing the risk of deaths, non-communicable diseases, the emergence and spread of infectious diseases, and health emergencies. Climate change in Africa is directly contributing to humanitarian emergencies from heatwaves, cyclones, wildfires, floods, tropical storms and hurricanes. These are increasing in scale, frequency and intensity. Research by the World Bank (2023) shows that 3.6 billion people globally already live in areas highly susceptible to climate change. It is estimated that between 2030 and 2050, climate change is expected to cause approximately 250 000 additional deaths per year, from undernutrition, malaria, diarrhoea and heat stress alone. The direct damage costs to health (excluding costs in health-determining sectors such as agriculture and water and sanitation) is estimated to be between US$ 2–4 billion per year by 2030 (World Bank, 2023). Areas with weak health infrastructure – mostly in African countries – will be the least able to cope without assistance to prepare and respond. Reducing emissions of greenhouse gases through better transport, food and energy use choices can result in very large gains for health, particularly through reduced air pollution. The edited book will seek to provide new evidence on the impact of climate change and health in Africa. Contributions are solicited from academics, health practitioners, organizations involved in climate and health and climate change activists.